Poll:What do you think the effect of G14 will be?

[Rich Kressly]

Originally Posted by CraigHickman

I understand the point of FIRST being inspiring innovation and science, and I'm not going against that. However, with any attempted change, you need to penetrate the population before change can happen.

This is very astute, indeed and I agree. However, as FIRST grows we capture fewer and fewer of the "early adopters" and more folks who are from "popular culture." I explained the difference in this thread. With more and more people who are used to the "popular culture" way of doing things we all need to be more diligent about ensuring the real mission remains at heart. I've seen a growing number of people in FIRST whining about referee calls on the field and in these forums and it needs to stop. You heard Dean say, out loud about the elements of luck involved in the "game." You heared Woodie talk about the big effect of the program and you heard Dave talk about mentoring. What more evidence do we all need here until we stop focusing so much of the "game" and whether or not it's good? If we keep doing that, as early adopters, what are we teaching the mainstreamers who have joined us?

Originally Posted by CraigHickman

If you just start doing something different, you'll be that odd group instead of a changing force. If you instead start with a competition, make it known, and then begin the shift, I'm willing to bet that change will happen MUCH faster.

It's been nearly 20 years, how long should we wait?

Originally Posted by CraigHickman

Already done all this. Is it too much to be allowed to compete like crazy too?

Nope, I see no reason why you can't compete like crazy, but perhaps it's now more of an "us vs. the problem" thing (like many real life robotic applications) as opposed to "me vs. you."

Originally Posted by CraigHickman

New chassis design: Check.
We can drive QUITE well on slick surfaces. Check.
If there were any rookie teams near us, we'd be helping them. Check.
Traction control: Check.
Outreach demos: Check.

Awesome! You don't need rookies near you to help them. Contact the RD(s) for your event(s) and find out who the rookies/other teams in need are!